A CANNABIS dealer who sped around Radcliffe roads after being spotted by police has been spared jail.

Bolton Crown Court heard how 21-year-old Sheroze Khan was first seen in a black Astra in Radcliffe at 3.30am on April 18 last year by police.

They were suspicious and decided to follow the car, which then sped off, travelling at up to 60mph in the 30mph limit streets including, Caledonia Street, North Street, Ruskin Street and Eton Hill Road.

Rachel Faux, prosecuting, said at one stage the car hit a kerb and mounted a pavement and Khan failed to stop at several junctions.

The chase finally ended when Khan drove into a cul-de-sac at Oakwood Grove and abandoned the vehicle,

The police helicopter was used and just after 4am Khan was found hiding nearby under a caravan.

A search of his car revealed 16.75 grams of cannabis in the boot, snap bags and a mobile phone which contained text messages from people requesting drugs.

Khan, of Bury Road, Radcliffe, pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis with intent to supply and dangerous driving

The Honorary Recorder of Bolton was told that Khan was of previous good character.

"The fact that you have no previous record is very much to your credit," the judge told him.

"I am prepared to accept you are remorseful."

But he added that, although there were few people around because the offence was committed in the early hours of the morning, property could have been damaged and anyone unlucky enough to have been on the streets could have been injured or killed.

Khan was sentenced to eight months in prison, suspended for 12 months and ordered to undertake 10 days of rehabilitation activities.

He was also banned from driving for 12 months, after which he will have to sit an extended driving test.

"Any more offending and you can expect to go immediately to prison," he judge told him.